(1) The certificate term is January 1st to December 31st each year.

(a) Certificates issued prior to October 1st are valid through December 31st of the same calendar year.

(b) Certificates issued on October 1st or later are valid through December 31st of the following calendar year.

(c) The certificate term does not change when an existing certified operator upgrades to a higher certification level. The certificate term ends December 31st each year regardless of when the upgraded certificate was issued.

(2) It is the operator's responsibility to keep the department updated when their address or employer changes.